Move Cursor Over Stars.
Urumqi
An interesting mix of ethnic, folkloric and modern architecture make up Urumqi's eclectic skyline. Urumqi is in a revival stage of growth as China retraces the historic silk road and sends out new roadways which will send out and bring in modern day commodities along the same ancient routes taken to trade silk. The population of over 3 million speaks a variety of languages - primarily mandarin and Uyghur, which is Turkish language and Arabic script. Most residents do not speak English. Urumqi Diwopu International Airport is one of five major airports in China.
There is much to see in this region, including, Xinjiang Museum and Shuimbugus hot springs. There is a lively open air bazaar within Urumqi with a sampling of goods from many nearby regions.
Unique Urumqi cityscape.
Beijing
China's second largest city (after Shanghai) is home to over 18 million permanent residents. A large international community exists in Beijing, attracted by the rapidly growing foreign business and trade sector. While Mandarin is the official language of the region (there are around 851 million native speakers, outnumbering any other language in the world); some English is spoken by at least 35% of residents in anticipation of the 2008 Olympic Games.
Beijing is a major transportation hub. There are remarkable roadway, highway and expressway systems in place providing excellent connectivity to subway and railway stations. Despite these improvements and Beijing's commitment to easing traffic congestion for the 2008 Olympics - anticipate gridlock situations. The main airport for the area is Beijing Capital International Airport. Beijing Airport is 20 kilometers outside of the city center and is the main hub for Air China.
The sites to see in and around Beijing are too numerous to mention. The most popular include the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and several access points to the Great Wall of China.
View of Beijing city from the top of Jing Shan Hill.
Tianjin
The four pillars of industry in Tianjin are electronics and telecom, machinery and manufacturing, including automotive, biotech and chemicals, food and beverage. Foeign investors dominate these key industries. The main language spoken in Tianjin is Mandarin. Tianjin has a population of over 10 million.
There are two airports which service Tianjin. A one hour drive from Tianjin is Beijing's International Airport and a 15 minutes' drive from city center is Tianjin Binhai International Airport. Tianjin's airport flies domestic and to Seoul and Nagoya.
Sites to see include Shui Shang Gong Yaun Park which is most appreciated for it's waterscapes, isles and bridges and Du Le Si Dule Temple, well preserved and more than 1000 years old.
Typical Tianjin street scene.
Dalian
One of the most heavily developed industrial areas of China (the southwestern portion of Dalian) Dalian has a special designation as an "open city" allowing Dalian to receive considerable investment from foreign manufacturers who want to move their operations abroad. In Dalian Mandarin is the official language spoken by the population of more than 6 million, most of of whom do not understand English. The primary airport for the area is Dalian Zhoushuizi International airport with connecting flights to most major Chinese cities and some cities in Japan, South Korea and Germany.
Scenic parks and resorts can be found on Binhai Road, a coastal driving route, known for its lush beautiful scenery. Rent a tandem bike and ride through Asia's largest square, Xinghai Square, which serves as a center for entertainment and activities.
View of Dalian.
Xi'an
The high tech industrial development zone in Xi'an, founded in 1991, has attracted 2,258 companies from 58 countries. More than 30 Fortune 500 enterprises have set up in Xi'an. Its main industries are electronic information, equipment manufacturing, bio medicine and autos. Xi'an, one of the most important cities in Chinese history, has been the capital (under various names) of 13 dynasties. Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is the largest airport in the northwest region of China and the 4th largest in all of China.
Xi'an has a rich history with many historical sites to see including the Huaqing imperial hot springs and Shaanxi Historical Museum. One of the most famous tourist attractions in all of China is the TerraCotta Warriors and Horses of Shi Huang Di the First Emperor of China.
Xi'an skyline in background of Tang Paradise Park
Qingdao
Since 1984 when named one of the 14 coastal cities to be opened to foreign investment, Qingdao has flourished. Qingdao is one of Chinas largest seaports with co-op relations with 450 ports in 130 countries worldwide. South Korea and Japan in particular are heavily invested in what was once a little fishing village. 30,000 South Korean Nationals reside in Qingdao, making for an unusual mix of cultures within the city. Leftover from the period of German colonization many German period buildings have been preserved as heritage monuments.
Many tourist come from all over China to enjoy the beaches and many tourists from South Korea come to enjoy the golf courses. An enjoyable way to access many of the wonderful parks, busy beach strands and the naval museum is to take a walk on the 36 kilometer long Qingdao pier. Qingdao is the site for the 2008 olympic sailing competition.
Qingdao pier
Shanghai
Known as China's center of finance and trade, Shanghai is the largest city in China and the 8th largest city in the world with current population estimates exceeding 20 million. It is also one of the worlds busiest ports. The official language is mandarin. Pudong International Airport, 30 kilo meters from the city center, is the main hub for China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines and Air China.
A popular tourist destination is Shanghai's Pudong TV and Radio Tower where visitors can take a double decker elevator to enjoy activities and breathtaking sites. Shanghai will host Expo 2010 World's Fair May - Oct 2010
View across Huangpu River of Shanghai skyline.
Guangzhou
Guangzhou holds the world's largest trade fair every year. "Guangzhou Canton Fair" - trade show, attracts thousands of businessmen and traders from around the world. Long term goals for Guangzhou are to function as the largest financial high tech and light industrial center in Southern China. New Baiyun International Airport in Huadu is 28 km north of downtown. Cantonese is spoken by Guangzhou's population of over 10 million.
Most popular of many attractions to visit in Guangzhou is the Liurong Temple - "the Temple of Banyan Trees". Another interesting temple is the Guangxiao Temple, a popular pilgrimage site for zen Buddhists.
Tianhe, Guangzhou
Shenzhen
One of the first to receive a designation as a "Special Economic Zone", Shenzhen has gone from a sleepy fishing village to a modern industrial giant in less than 30 years. The influx of foreign investment money has, within China, positioned Shenzhen 4th in economic output and 2nd in terms of industrial output. The city's population of approximately 9 million enjoys the highest average income in China. The main airport for the city is Shenzhen airport 35 kilometers from the city center. It is cheaper to fly to mainland China cities from Shenzhen than from Hong Kong, but cheaper usually to fly internationally from nearby Hong Kong.
There are few historical sites in Shenzhen but there are several theme parks and lots of great shopping areas to keep you entertained on your visit.
Shun Hing Square shown in distance
Hong Kong
Best known for its skyline (rated best in the world) it is also known as a center for modern architecture. Most of its skyscrapers have been built in the last few years. Hong Kong is the wealthiest urban area in China and home to one of the world's busiest airports - Hong Kong International Airport. The population was 6.99 million in 2006. The official language spoken in Hong Kong is Cantonese but more than 38 percent of its population speaks English also.
There are many interesting sites to visit in Hong Kong, including, Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, a colorful Chinese temple with traditional lattice work and carvings. Another must-see is Victoria Peak's summit, visitors can see the skyline and Victoria Harbor which are especially beautiful at night.
Sailing Junk in Victoria harbor
© Global Retail Connections 2009
